Gaps in Evidence on Burden and HRQoL in Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Findings From a Targeted Literature Review
Author(s)
Jignasa Sathwara, PhD, M.Pharm, VATSAL CHHAYA, Msc, KAPIL KHAMBHOLJA, PhD.
Catalyst Clinical Research, Baroda, India.
Catalyst Clinical Research, Baroda, India.
OBJECTIVES: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains a high-burden malignancy with limited recent evidence on how disease burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) vary by stage. This targeted literature review synthesizes current evidence and highlights key gaps across the SCLC continuum.
METHODS: A targeted search was conducted in PubMed and ISPOR conference abstracts (2016-2025). Studies were eligible if they reported on SCLC-related incidence, survival, or HRQoL using validated instruments (e.g., EQ-5D, EORTC QLQ-C30, MDASI). Eligible designs included randomized trials, observational studies, and retrospective analyses. Studies exclusively examining non-small-cell lung cancer or lacking relevant outcomes were excluded. Key data were extracted on clinical outcomes, HRQoL, and geographic representation.
RESULTS: Seventy-eight records were identified (PubMed: n=24; ISPOR: n=54), with 13 studies (N>6,000) meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were mostly from the US (7/13, 53.8%), followed by Asia (3/13), multinational cohorts (2/13), and Europe (1/13). SCLC incidence ranged from 2.3 to 7.4 per 100,000. Median overall survival in extensive-stage disease was consistently <12 months.
HRQoL outcomes were reported in 6 studies (46.2%), with EQ-5D utility values ranging from 0.73 to 0.87. Three studies (23.1%) used validated tools in real-world settings. Reporting heterogeneity limited comparability. Recent trials (e.g., KEYNOTE-604) reported preserved baseline HRQoL with chemo-immunotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite high clinical burden, evidence on stage-specific HRQoL in SCLC remains sparse. Limited use of validated instruments and inconsistent reporting constrain comprehensive assessment. Standardized methodologies are needed to guide future research and support patient-centered care.
METHODS: A targeted search was conducted in PubMed and ISPOR conference abstracts (2016-2025). Studies were eligible if they reported on SCLC-related incidence, survival, or HRQoL using validated instruments (e.g., EQ-5D, EORTC QLQ-C30, MDASI). Eligible designs included randomized trials, observational studies, and retrospective analyses. Studies exclusively examining non-small-cell lung cancer or lacking relevant outcomes were excluded. Key data were extracted on clinical outcomes, HRQoL, and geographic representation.
RESULTS: Seventy-eight records were identified (PubMed: n=24; ISPOR: n=54), with 13 studies (N>6,000) meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were mostly from the US (7/13, 53.8%), followed by Asia (3/13), multinational cohorts (2/13), and Europe (1/13). SCLC incidence ranged from 2.3 to 7.4 per 100,000. Median overall survival in extensive-stage disease was consistently <12 months.
HRQoL outcomes were reported in 6 studies (46.2%), with EQ-5D utility values ranging from 0.73 to 0.87. Three studies (23.1%) used validated tools in real-world settings. Reporting heterogeneity limited comparability. Recent trials (e.g., KEYNOTE-604) reported preserved baseline HRQoL with chemo-immunotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite high clinical burden, evidence on stage-specific HRQoL in SCLC remains sparse. Limited use of validated instruments and inconsistent reporting constrain comprehensive assessment. Standardized methodologies are needed to guide future research and support patient-centered care.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR101
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Patient-Centered Research, Study Approaches
Topic Subcategory
Health State Utilities, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
Oncology